A corner of Bắc Giang City.

BẮC GIANG — Bắc Giang City is making strides towards becoming a green and smart urban centre, focusing on infrastructure investment and digital transformation. 

According to Vũ Trí Hải, Secretary of the Bắc Giang City Party Committee, the city is mobilising resources to advance this vision.

Officials are raising awareness about green-smart urban development among residents and government agencies. Collaboration with provincial departments is underway to implement special mechanisms for urban planning during the 2021-2030 period.

As part of Bắc Giang Province’s master plan, the city is preparing sub-regional and detailed construction plans, aiming to meet the criteria for a Grade I urban area under provincial jurisdiction. 

The city is also addressing land clearance challenges and fast-tracking infrastructure projects, especially in social infrastructure, residential zones and housing developments.

Administrative reforms in urban planning, land management and construction have been prioritised. Emphasis is placed on the accountability of leaders and civil servants in handling administrative tasks. 

Bắc Giang Stadium.

Additionally, the city is integrating IT applications for planning, appraisals and urban infrastructure management.

Bắc Giang has made notable progress since initiating its plan on September 10, 2020, focused on green and smart urban development for the 2020-25 period and beyond.

Between 2021 and 2024, the city attracted over VNĐ99,300 billion (US$4.08 billion) in social investment capital, with projections of VNĐ124,300 billion ($5.11 billion) for the 2021-25 period. 

Reports linked to Resolution No. 233-NQ/TU, concerning administrative restructuring and urban development for 2022-25, have also been completed. 

These initiatives lay the groundwork for expanding administrative boundaries and upgrading the city’s urban classification.

Bắc Giang’s planning coverage now stands at 87 per cent for detailed plans, which is crucial for attracting investments. 

An aerial view of Bắc Giang City.

Efforts to improve urban quality include expanding roads, refurbishing pavements, planting trees, building car parks, and upgrading drainage systems.

Attracting investment

The city has garnered interest from major corporations such as Vingroup, Văn Phú-Invest, APEC Group, and FPT Group, which are exploring local investment opportunities. 

Initiatives like the friendly authority model, featuring one-stop administrative offices in all wards and communes, have also been introduced.

Governance is becoming increasingly digitalised. 

The smart city ICT architecture 1.0 has been introduced, along with a smart urban operations centre. 

Hoàng Hoa Thám Park in Bắc Giang City.

 All city departments and ward-level offices now handle documents electronically, manage workflows online, and utilise digital signatures.

Public facilities have also been enhanced, with free wifi hotspots at 62 locations and an expanded surveillance camera network. Digital transformation teams operate in all wards, communes, and residential areas. 

Fibre-optic internet and 4G/5G network coverage are now widely available.

Green urban development

Bắc Giang is investing heavily in urban greening. The green space ratio has reached eighteen square metres per person. 

Over 98 per cent of waste is collected and treated, with 100 per cent of the collected waste disposed of hygienically.

Environmental goals are being incorporated into school extracurricular activities. 

To promote environmental protection and energy conservation, conferences on green urban development, climate change, and sustainable agriculture have been organised.

An aerial view of Bắc Giang City.

From January 1, 2025, Yên Dũng District will merge with Bắc Giang City, as stipulated in Resolution 1191 issued on September 28, 2024. This merger will provide opportunities to utilise Yên Dũng’s land resources for high-tech agriculture and other initiatives.

Bắc Giang aims to develop integrated transport and social infrastructure in the expanded areas, while advancing administrative reforms and digitalising land use and environmental management.

According to Đặng Đình Hoan, Chairman of the Bắc Giang City People’s Committee, the city is committed to digital transformation. 

He said that the city aims to provide the best services to its residents and develop a smart, liveable urban area with people at its core. — VNS

Bắc Giang City captured from above.